Surmont Family Biology Scholarship established at Morehead State University

Morehead State University has a new scholarship available to nontraditional students who are pursuing a degree in biology. The Surmont Family Biology Scholarship was endowed by alumni Joe and Sherry Surmont in honor of Joe's parents, university alumnus Al and Helen Surmont, to celebrate the couple’s lifelong commitment to education.

According to an article on Morehead State University’s website, Al Surmont is quoted as saying of the new scholarship, "Even with some tuition assistance from MSU, I saw firsthand how financially demanding it can be to pursue a degree while supporting a family. Creating this scholarship reflects our family's desire to support students who are balancing real-life responsibilities while working toward their educational goals."

Al and Helen graduated from Lafayette High School in 1967, and the following year they married. In 1969, Al began working in the Fisheries Division of the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife. In 1973, Al learned he needed to pursue a bachelor degree, and ultimately a master’s degree, to continue advancing in his career. He earned his bachelor degree from Morehead State University in 1980 and his master’s degree in biology and environmental science in 1990. Beyond his career, Al founded the Cave Run Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

Helen said, "We have always been an outdoor-minded couple throughout our marriage. Al followed his passion by working with the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife, which ultimately brought our family to Morehead. His career required an advanced degree, which he proudly earned through Morehead State University, a journey we supported together every step of the way."

Helen worked for the Kentucky Department of Unemployment Insurance. She also became a lifetime member of the Rowan County Historical Society, of which she served as president three times, and she was a member of the Midland Trail Sweet Adelines. 

The Surmont Family Biology Scholarship is intended to help biology students who, like Al, are considered nontraditional in that they need to balance other life responsibilities as they pursue their degree.

For more information about Morehead State University, visit the school’s website.